Drives dead it looks like....

[manlymatt83]

So I have a 160 GB Maxtor drive which worked great a year ago. Put it in storage for a year (in my dresser drawer). Pull it out today because I finally got an extra drive for backup and wanted to copy all the stuff off of it, and low and behold, it isn't working. It's "clicking" when I launch it, and if I shake it ever so slightly, it does make a noise, so sounds like something is loose inside.

What are my options? Data recovery is expensive, yes? I don't know if I need the data *that bad*. Are there other options? Perhaps a do it yourself option?

 

[manlymatt83]

Some research I've looked into says to put it in the freezer overnight and then try. Comments?

 

[Billb2]

That's worked for me a few times.
Like starting a cold car, everything is "tight".
If the problem is an arm or platter bearing it usually works, and if it works, you'll get 5-20 minutes of use before it fails (heats up) again. Then just re-do the freezer again.

The problem is if the pickup has hit the platter then the data has gone to bit heaven.
And depending on what got wiped (MBR?) the drive may or may not be readable.

 

[Denithor]

Use a USB->IDE adapter with a long cable and leave it in the freezer while copying your data. That way it won't "heat up" and you can salvage your data.

Probably best to copy onto a laptop if available instead of hauling your desktop over near the freezer.

Good luck!

 

[manlymatt83]

Originally posted by: Denithor
Use a USB->IDE adapter with a long cable and leave it in the freezer while copying your data. That way it won't "heat up" and you can salvage your data.

Probably best to copy onto a laptop if available instead of hauling your desktop over near the freezer.

Good luck!

I have a USB/IDE adapter but it requires being plugged into the wall (external hard disk enclosure). Is that okay to do? Put something with power from a wall into the freezer?

Also, I guess this means I have to leave the freezer door slightly open right? And how long should drive be in the freezer before I try it?

 

[Gillbot]

Originally posted by: manlymatt83

Originally posted by: Denithor
Use a USB->IDE adapter with a long cable and leave it in the freezer while copying your data. That way it won't "heat up" and you can salvage your data.

Probably best to copy onto a laptop if available instead of hauling your desktop over near the freezer.

Good luck!

I have a USB/IDE adapter but it requires being plugged into the wall (external hard disk enclosure). Is that okay to do? Put something with power from a wall into the freezer?

Also, I guess this means I have to leave the freezer door slightly open right? And how long should drive be in the freezer before I try it?

I do it all the time.

 

[Denithor]

Originally posted by: manlymatt83
I have a USB/IDE adapter but it requires being plugged into the wall (external hard disk enclosure). Is that okay to do? Put something with power from a wall into the freezer?

Also, I guess this means I have to leave the freezer door slightly open right? And how long should drive be in the freezer before I try it?

Perfectly safe. Leave it overnight before trying to recover your data. You can put it unplugged into the freezer overnight, pull it out, plug it in, put back in the freezer for data recovery.

 

[manlymatt83]

Originally posted by: Denithor

Originally posted by: manlymatt83
I have a USB/IDE adapter but it requires being plugged into the wall (external hard disk enclosure). Is that okay to do? Put something with power from a wall into the freezer?

Also, I guess this means I have to leave the freezer door slightly open right? And how long should drive be in the freezer before I try it?

Perfectly safe. Leave it overnight before trying to recover your data. You can put it unplugged into the freezer overnight, pull it out, plug it in, put back in the freezer for data recovery.

OK, so I want to leave it in the freezer while its powering up too, even if it was in the freezer overnight prior?